Former Springbok flyhalf Butch James believes Chris Smith can take his game to another level as the Lions look to bounce back from their Investec Champions Cup defeat to La Rochelle. MORNÉ ESBEN reports.
Making their Champions Cup debut, the Pride lost 31-14 to the former back-to-back champions at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre, with Smith captaining the side. It came the day after the death of lock Hyron Andrews.
The Lions now turn their attention back to the URC where they face a demanding trip to Scotland to take on Edinburgh and the Glasgow Warriors.
James, a 10bet ambassador, has been impressed by Smith’s consistency and believes the Lions’ improving forward pack could help bring out the best in the flyhalf.
“I think he’s been outstanding for them,” James told SARugbymag.co.za. “He’s playing really nicely and – the one thing I like about him – I don’t think the Lions are always very consistent but he’s a very consistent player.
“Every weekend he puts in a decent performance, so he never really has a bad game, which is good for a flyhalf.
“With the Lions pack starting to dominate the way they are at the moment, I think they’re going to get better and better, and that’ll allow Chris to get better and better as well.”
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James has also been impressed by the Lions’ style of play.
“They’ve been playing really nicely. They’ve been playing a great brand of rugby for a number of years, so it’s always been easy to support them and be a fan,” he said.
“They also played really well against the All Blacks during the Greatest Rivalry tour and were a bit unlucky not to get a win there.”
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The Lions’ next two matches in Scotland will also offer an important test of their credentials. James believes results on the road could prove decisive.
“I think they’ve all got a chance to be up there [at the end of the season]. For me, what sets teams apart is when they play away. You’ve got to sneak a couple away wins and make sure that you’re winning 80-90% of your home games.”
Photo: Alche Greeff/Gallo Images
The post Butch: Smith is Lions’ secret weapon appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Springbok flyhalf Butch James believes Chris Smith can take his game to another level as the Lions look to bounce back from their Investec Champions Cup defeat to La Rochelle.
The post Butch: Smith is Lions’ secret weapon appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
